Canada will commit $5 million to a $36-million pledge by G8 nations to prevent sexual violence in conflict zones.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird announced the new funding Thursday from London, U.K., where he is meeting with foreign ministers from the G8 nations, which comprise of the U.S., Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada and Russia.

Earlier Thursday morning, British Foreign Secretary William Hague announced $36 million in additional funding from the G8 to prevent sexual violence in conflict zones and ensure justice for victims. Hague and the other G8 foreign ministers were joined during the announcement by Hollywood actress and special envoy for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Angelina Jolie, who has acted as an outspoken proponent for women’s rights.

Speaking on a teleconference with reporters, Baird pointed to the leadership of the British foreign secretary.

“This issue is incredibly important. It’s a taboo topic. People have been incredibly uncomfortable talking about it,” said Baird. “I want to acknowledge the leadership of William Hague. He has made this a personal priority and been able to get an incredibly strong statement from the G8 foreign ministers.”

While Baird said the focus on preventing sexual violence in conflict zones is new for the G8, it is not for Canada. Last October, Canada announced it would pledged $18.5 million to help in the fight the epidemic in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Baird said more than a quarter of a million women have faced sexual violence amidst armed conflict.

“This issue is a subject which has just not been discussed. And one with which we hope to bring a powerful focus and hope that this will be the beginning of the end,” said Baird. “We are deeply and profoundly committed to this. People have got to know there will be real and significant consequences.”

Baird said the foreign ministers met with a representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General, who described children as young as six months facing sexual violence in conflict zones, and the tens of thousands of women and children who are raped as a result of war. The minister compared sexual violence in conflict zones to the use chemical weapons and land mines.

“In the 21st century, this is … unacceptable and the world will no longer remain silent. That there will be no impunity. That this will never be something that is traded away at the end of hostility,” he said.

While Baird commended Hague for his work pushing this issue, he made sure to point out the work of another foreign minister who he said greatly influenced the G8’s focus on women’s rights – former U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton, whose role was recently taken over by John Kerry.

“I think it also speaks to the legacy of Hillary Clinton and the role that she’s played on women in peace and security, and women and human rights,” said Baird.

As the U.K. prepares to lead the UN Security Council in June and then the UN General Assembly in September, Baird said it will have the “full support” of Canada, in conjunction with leadership from the U.S. and Germany, as it works to bring the issue of sexual violence in conflict zones to the forefront. He acknowledged the G8’s long road ahead in its efforts to fight this “horrendous war crime.”

“This is the beginning of a long-term commitment and focus by the G8. And I hope it will inspire others.”

During the meeting, G8 foreign ministers also condemned North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile program and expressed “deep concern” about the ongoing crisis in Syria that has left upwards of 70,000 people dead and displaced over a million Syrians.